In the midst of the turmoil and chaos of these times, setting or resetting boundaries is one of the most important compassionate leadership moves to create a thriving organization. Good boundaries connect us to each other, focus us, and support our wellbeing. Boundaries also protect us. When you map out clear boundaries, especially in collaboration with your team, you set up everyone for success.
No one gets a pass. Not world-class athletes, CEOs, essential workers, parents, teachers, or our kids. We all suffer. We also have a choice about how we respond to suffering through our leadership. We can choose to work together to find a response, or we can turn away. What kind of culture are you modeling and creating in your organization?
Difficult conversations – those discussions we know that we need to have, but dread having – can be difficult not only to initiate, but also to engage in a way that continues to enhance your relationships and trust. Courage, non-judgmental awareness, and compassionate communications, all arising from a place of self-compassionate anchoring, are the compassionate leadership skills to bring to your next difficult conversation.
Speaking up can be a scary act. Examples abound of leaders who shoot messengers bringing opinions that differ from what they want to hear. Creating cultures that celebrate those willing to speak up and become vulnerable starts with leaders. If you want others to take risks for you, show your own vulnerability and trust first. The benefits will show up in greater safety, connection and belonging.
Learning to move past resistance, restraint, and roadblocks is a key part of personal and leadership development. Barriers to practicing our innate capacity for compassion can show up in many different ways. Let’s explore three barriers to compassion - distraction, judgment, and fear – and how we can intentionally move to the full expression of our compassionate nature.
There is a perception among many that compassion is not a strategy of strength and that compassionate leaders are too soft or weak. There is a fear, even, of being too compassionate. Good intentions alone are not enough. A deeper understanding of compassion means that one who acts with true compassion never needs to fear being too compassionate.
